Wire Tray and Mounting Insert Assemblies

ABSTRACT

This publication describes techniques and apparatuses for releasably attaching an object (e.g., a wire tray) to a substrate. Current apparatuses generally do not enable the removal of an attached wire tray from a substrate without first removing an insert from a mounting stud extending from the substrate. The disclosed techniques and apparatuses are configured to permit the removal of an attached wire tray from a substrate without first removing an insert from a mounting stud extending from the substrate.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This application is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/662,047, filed May 4, 2022,which in turn is a continuation of and claims priority to U.S.Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 17/210,776, filed Mar. 24, 2021,now U.S. Pat. No. 11,451,025, issued Sep. 20, 2022, which in turn claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 63/129,397,filed Dec. 22, 2020, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

A wire tray, also referred to as a channel, wire management tray, or acable tray, is a receptacle utilized for routing objects (e.g., cables,wires, a wiring harness) on a substrate. In use, a wire tray mounts tothe substrate. In one example, a threaded mounting stud extends from asubstrate of a vehicle; a thread-engaging mounting insert may beinserted through a top surface of a wire tray and into an aperturedefined through the wire tray. An operator may screw the insert onto thestud to mount the wire tray to the substrate. To remove the wire trayfrom the substrate, a reverse process can be performed, where the insertis unscrewed from the stud before the insert can be removed from thewire tray.

SUMMARY

This document describes techniques and apparatuses for releasablyattaching an object to a substrate. In aspects, the techniques andapparatuses include one or more of wire trays, mounting inserts, orassemblies thereof, and enable the removal of an attached wire tray froma mounted substrate without first removing a mounting insert from amounting stud extending from the substrate.

In aspects, disclosed is a system that includes a wire tray and a firstinsert. The wire tray includes a mount. The mount includes a top surfaceopposite a bottom surface, an aperture, and a connecting ledge extendingfrom the top surface of the mount. The aperture extends from the topsurface to the bottom surface and defines a sidewall. The first insertis configured to be releasably retained by the mount. The first insertincludes a body and a cantilevered lug. The body has an upper endconfigured for insertion into the aperture through the bottom surfaceand a lower end spaced apart from the upper end. A cavity extends intothe body, and includes a threaded receiver configured to releasablyengage threads of a mounting stud. The cantilever lug is configured forsnap-fit connection with the connecting ledge. The cantilever lugcomprising includes a beam, a catch, and a stop. The beam has a root endconnecting to the body and extending upwards therefrom and an insertionend configured for insertion through the aperture. The catch extendsdownwardly from the insertion end of the beam and is configured toengage the connecting ledge. The stop is configured for limiting theinsertion of the body through the aperture. The stop extends from thebody between the upper end and the lower end and is positionedintermediate the catch and the lower end. The first insert is configuredfor insertion into the aperture through the bottom surface of the mount,with the stop bearing against the bottom surface of the mount. The firstinsert is configured to receive the mounting stud therethrough, themounting stud extending through the aperture into the first insert, thethreads of the mounting stud engaging the threaded receiver.

In other aspects, disclosed is an apparatus including a body, acantilever lug, and a stop. The body includes an upper end, a lower endopposite the upper end, and a cavity that extends into the body. Thecavity includes a threaded receiver configured to releasably engagethreads of a mounting stud. The cantilever lug is configured forsnap-fit connection with a connecting ledge of the mount. The cantileverlug includes a beam and a catch. The beam includes a root end connectingto the body and extending upwards therefrom, and an insertion endconfigured for insertion through an aperture of a mount. The insertionend extends past the upper end of the body. The catch extends downwardlyfrom the insertion end of the beam and is configured for engaging theconnecting ledge. The stop is configured for limiting the insertion ofthe body through the aperture and extends from the body between theupper end and the lower end. The stop is positioned intermediate thecatch and the lower end. The apparatus is configured for insertion intothe aperture through a bottom surface defined in a mount with an upperside of the stop bearing against the bottom surface of the mount. Theapparatus is further configured for receiving the mounting studtherethrough, with the mounting stud extending through the aperture intothe apparatus, and with the threads of the mounting stud engaging thethreaded receiver.

This Summary is provided to introduce simplified concepts of techniquesand apparatuses for releasably attaching an object to a substrate, whichare further described below in the Detailed Description and areillustrated in the Drawings. This Summary is not intended to identifyessential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended foruse in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The details of one or more aspects of techniques and apparatuses forreleasably attaching an object to a substrate are described in thisdocument with reference to the following drawings:

FIG. 1 is a first side, perspective, environmental view that includes awire tray assembly, in accordance with the techniques and apparatuses ofthis disclosure;

FIG. 2A is a partial, top perspective view of the wire tray assembly ofFIG. 1 , including a first mount and a first insert;

FIG. 2B is a partial, bottom perspective view of the first mount andfirst insert of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 2C a cross-sectional view of the first mount and first insert ofFIG. 2A;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the first mount of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4A is a top perspective view of the first insert of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4B is a plan view of the first insert of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 4C is a left side view of the first insert of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 5A is a first sequential left side view of the first mount andfirst insert of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 5B is a second sequential left side view of the first mount andfirst insert of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 5C is a third sequential left side view of the first mount andfirst insert of FIG. 2A;

FIG. 6A is a partial, top perspective view of the wire tray assembly ofFIG. 1 , including a second mount and a second insert;

FIG. 6B is a partial, bottom perspective view of the second mount andsecond insert of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 6C a cross-sectional view of the second mount and second insert ofFIG. 6A;

FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of the second insert of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 7B is a bottom perspective view of the second insert of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 8A is a first sequential left side view of the second mount andsecond insert of FIG. 6A;

FIG. 8B is a second sequential left side view of the second mount andsecond insert of FIG. 6A; and

FIG. 8C is a third sequential left side view of the second mount andsecond insert of FIG. 6A.

The use of same numbers in different instances may indicate similarfeatures or components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This document describes techniques and apparatuses for releasablyattaching an object to a substrate. In aspects, the techniques andapparatuses may include one or more of wire trays, mounting inserts(“inserts”), or assemblies thereof. Aspects of the present disclosureaddress technical problems associated with the attachment and removal ofa wire tray to a substrate.

In one example, a threaded mounting stud extends from a substrate (e.g.,a substrate of a vehicle, such as a sill plate) and a thread-engagingmounting insert is inserted through a bottom surface of a wire tray andinto an aperture defined through the wire tray at a mount. An assembly(system) may be formed by the actuation of a snap-fit connection betweenthe insert and the mount. The insert may then be pressed onto the studto removably attach the assembly to the substrate. To remove the wiretray from the substrate, the snap-fit connection between the insert andthe mount may be unactuated, enabling the wire tray and mount to beremoved from the substrate to which the insert is mounted without firstunscrewing the insert from the stud. This is but one example of how thedescribed techniques and apparatuses may be used to address technicalproblems associated with the attachment and removal of a wire tray to asubstrate. Other examples and implementations are described throughoutthis document.

FIG. 1 is a first side, perspective, environmental view that illustratesan example environment 100 in which techniques and apparatuses forreleasably attaching an object, such as a wire tray, to a substrate canbe implemented. The environment 100 includes a substrate 10 (e.g.,surface of an object, panel of a vehicle) onto which a wire trayassembly 110 may be mounted.

The substrate 10 may include one or more connectors (e.g., flanges,ridges, fasteners, screws, pins, bolts, and the like) to which a wiretray 120, having a mount, may be mounted utilizing an insert. Theconnectors may include a threaded bolt, for example, one or moremounting studs (e.g., stud 20, stud 22, stud 24) that extend from thesubstrate 10. A stud may be formed of any material, such as a steelalloy, and in the example illustrated in FIGS. 2A and 6A, stud 20 andstud 22 include helical threads (e.g., threads 30, threads 32) formedinto an outer surface.

The wire tray assembly 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a wire tray120, at least one mount (e.g., first mount 130, second mount 160, thirdmount 180), and at least one mounting insert (e.g., first insert 140,second insert 150, third insert 170). The wire tray 120 is preferablyformed of a polymeric dielectric material, such as a polypropylene,which may be molded to fit a contour of the substrate 10. The mountsand/or mounting inserts may be formed of a different material than isutilized for the wire tray 120. The mounting inserts may be formed ofany material, including, but not limited to, polyamide polymers (e.g.,NYLON) that have a greater strength and wear resistance than thematerial utilized for the wire tray 120.

The wire tray 120 is configured for routing at least one object, forexample, a wiring harness of a vehicle. The wire tray 120 includes abase 122. The base 122 defines a channel configured to receive theobjects for routing thereon. The wire tray 120 may include one or morechannel walls (e.g., first channel wall 124, a second channel wall 126)that, together with the base 122, define the channel (e.g., channel128). A mounting insert (e.g., first insert 140) may be utilized toreleasably connect the wire tray 120 to the substrate 10 via theconnector (e.g., stud 20), for example, with the first insert releasablyretained by the mount.

The wire tray 120 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes multiple mounts,namely, a first mount 130, a second mount 160, and a third mount 180.The wire tray 120 of FIG. 1 is illustrated with the first mount 130 andthe third mount 180 located outside the first channel wall 124, thesecond mount 160 located outside the second channel wall 126, and allthree of the mounts located outside of the channel 128. In otheraspects, one or more of the mounts can be located inside the channel, oroutside the channel, one or more of the mounts can be located outside asidewall, and/or one or more of the mounts may be located inside thesidewall. In a first example, all mounts are located on the same side ofthe wire tray (e.g., all on a first side, all on a second side). In asecond example, at least one of the mounts is located on a first side ofthe wire tray, and at least one of the mounts is located on a secondside of the wire tray. In a third example, one or more of the mounts arelocated in the channel of the wire tray.

In aspects, an insert may have a generally cylindrical shape, agenerally rectilinear shape, or another shape. In the wire tray assembly110 of FIG. 1 , the first insert 140 and the third insert 170 have agenerally rectilinear shape extending beyond a stop and aligned with alongitudinal axis of the first stud 20, whereas the second insert 150has a generally cylindrical shape extending beyond a stop and alignedwith a longitudinal axis of the second stud 22. One or more of theinserts may be oriented differently from one or more of the otherinserts. For example, both the first insert 140 and the third insert 170illustrated in FIG. 1 have generally rectilinear shapes, but the insertsare rotated 90 degrees relative to one another.

The wire tray assembly 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a first mount130 and a first insert 140, as further illustrated in FIGS. 2A through2C, FIG. 3 , and FIGS. 4A through 4C. The first insert 140 is configuredfor mounting the first mount 130 to a substrate 10 at a stud 20 thatextends from the substrate 10, as illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C. The firstmount 130 may include a base 202 that extends from the wire tray 120(e.g., from first channel wall 124). The base 202 may be defined in aplane generally parallel to a plane of the base 122. The base 202includes a top surface 206 opposite a bottom surface 208, with anaperture 210 defined therebetween.

The first insert 140 is configured to connect to the first mount 130,for example, through a snap-fit connection. Through such a connection,the aperture 210 receives at least one insertion end (e.g., insertionend 256, insertion end 257) of a cantilever lug (e.g., cantilever lug250, cantilever lug 251) of the first insert 140 therethrough. Theaperture 210 may include a ramp (e.g., ramp 213, ramp 215) configured toguide the insertion end into the aperture 210, which may facilitate amore-accurate, secure snap-fit connection.

The aperture 210, further illustrated in FIG. 3 , includes at least onesidewall 212. The sidewall 212 may extend between the top surface 206and the bottom surface 208. The aperture 210 illustrated in FIG. 3 iscross-shaped, including ends (first end 214, second end 216) shaped toreceive a rectilinear-shaped first insert 140 therein, and includingspaced-apart sides (first side 218, second side 220). In other aspects,the shape of the aperture 210 may differ.

The first insert 140 includes a body 230 having an upper end 232configured for insertion into the aperture 210 of the first mount 130and a lower end 234 opposite the upper end 232. In the aspectillustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C, a cavity 236 is defined in the body 230. Thecavity 236 may extend into at least a portion of the body 230. Thecavity 236 may include at least one thread-engaging receiver 238(threaded receiver 238) configured to releasably engage the threads(e.g., threads 30) of a mounting stud (e.g., stud 20) extending from thesubstrate 10. The body 230 may be configured to accept a tool to rotatethe first insert 140 about a longitudinal axis of the first stud 20. Inthe example illustrated in FIG. 2A, a flat-blade screwdriver, or similartool, may be inserted into the cavity 236 to either tighten or loosenthe first insert 140 on the stud 20.

The threaded receiver 238 may include at least one pawl 240 configuredto releasably engage the threads of the mounting stud. As illustrated inFIG. 2C, a pair of pawls 240 attach to an inner surface 237 of thecavity 236 by webs 241 that define pivot points. The pivot points enablethe pawls 240 to outwardly deflect when engaging the threads of the studduring installation. The webs 241 provide a spring-force such that thepawls 240 form a ratchet mechanism with the threads of the stud, therebyenabling the installation over the stud with the installation force. Thethreaded receiver 238 can be disengaged from the threads of the mountingstud to remove the insert from the stud. For example, the cavity 236 maybe configured to receive a tool, such as a blade of a screwdriver or thetips of pliers, and the tool may be utilized by an operator to disengageone or more of the pawls 240 from the stud, thereby enabling the removalof the insert from the stud. The cavity 236 may further be configured toreceive the fingertips of an operator, which can be used to disengageone or more of the pawls 240 from the stud, thereby enabling the removalof the insert from the stud. The insert (e.g., first insert 140) may berotatable about a longitudinal axis of the mounting stud. That is, thefirst insert 140 may be threaded on and off the stud 20 similar to a nutand bolt combination.

The first insert 140 may include at least one resilient cantilever lug(e.g., cantilever lug 250, cantilever lug 251) configured for flexibleinsertion through the aperture 210 and for snap-fit connection with atleast one connecting ledge (e.g., connecting ledge 222, connecting ledge223) of the mount, for example, a connecting ledge on a top surface 206of the first mount 130. In aspects, a resilient cantilever lug isconfigured to flex to permit a portion of the cantilever lug to beinserted through the aperture and couple to the connecting ledge in anengaged mode, and to decouple from the connecting ledge and flex topermit the portion of the cantilever lug to be withdrawn from theaperture in a disengaged mode. The connecting ledge may be defined inand/or extend from the top surface of the mount. The aspect illustratedin FIG. 2C and FIG. 3 includes a first cantilever lug 250 configured forsnap-fit connection with a first connecting ledge 222 and a secondcantilever lug 251 configured for snap-fit connection with a secondconnecting ledge 223.

The insert (e.g., first insert 140) is configured to be pushed inthrough the bottom surface 208 of the wire tray 120 to removably attachthe wire tray 120 to the substrate 10. Through use of the snap-fitconnection, the catch of the cantilever lug can be disengaged from theconnecting ledge, permitting the wire tray 120 to be removed from thesubstrate 10, while the first insert 140 remains attached to the stud20.

The connecting ledge (e.g., connecting ledge 222, connecting ledge 223)may include at least one chamfer (e.g., chamfer 224, chamfer 225). Thechamfer may be at any angle from horizontal. In aspects, the angle ofthe chamfer is 19 to 29 degrees from horizontal. In other aspects, theangle of the chamfer is 24 degrees from horizontal, or the angle of thechamfer is at least greater than zero, but less than ninety degrees fromhorizontal. The chamfer further includes an undercut face (e.g.,undercut face 226, undercut face 227). The undercut face is configuredto engage a retention face (e.g., retention face 264 of catch 258,retention face 265 of catch 259) when the snap-fit connection isactuated. In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 2C, connecting ledge 222includes a rim 211 and chamfer 224 extends from the rim 211 to the topsurface 206. Further, connecting ledge 223 includes a rim 209 andchamfer 225 extends from the rim 209 to the top surface 206. The chamfermay extend, at a first end, upwards away from the top surface 206 of thebase 202 and, at a second end, extend from the aperture 210, asillustrated in FIG. 2C. In other aspects, the chamfer may be spacedapart from the aperture 210. The undercut face may be positioned at anarcuate angle to the aperture 210.

Referring now to FIG. 2C, the top surface 206 defines a top surfaceplane (T), and a rim plane (R) is defined between rim 209 and rim 211.The rim plane (R) may be generally parallel to the top surface plane (T)and vertically spaced from the top surface plane (T).

The cantilever lug may include a beam (e.g., beam 252, beam 253) and acatch (e.g., catch 258, catch 259). The beam may include a root end(e.g., root end 254, root end 255) connecting to the body 230 andextending upwards therefrom to an insertion end (e.g., insertion end256, insertion end 257). The root end may connect to the body 230 at thelower end 234 of the body 230. The insertion end may be configured forinsertion through the aperture 210. The catch extends downwardly fromthe insertion end of the beam and is configured for engaging aconnecting ledge of the base 202 to form the snap-fit connection.

The catch includes a tip (e.g., tip 260, tip 261) located between aninsertion face (e.g., insertion face 262, insertion face 263) and aretention face (e.g., retention face 264, retention face 265). Theinsertion face is configured for contacting the sidewall and for inwarddeflection during actuation and de-actuation of the snap-fit connection.The retention face is configured to engage the connecting ledge on thetop surface 206 of the base 202. In aspects, the retention face is at anarcuate angle to the insertion face. The retention face angle may be anyangle from horizontal. In aspects, the retention face angle is 28 to 37degrees from horizontal. In other aspects, the retention face angle is32 degrees from horizontal. In yet other aspects, the retention faceangle is at least greater than zero, but less than ninety degrees fromhorizontal.

The first insert 140 may further include at least one stop (e.g., stop242, stop 243). The stop extends from the body 230 between the upper end232 and the lower end 234. The stop is configured to limit the insertionof the body 230 through the aperture 210. The stop is positionedintermediate the catch and the lower end 234. The stop includes an upperside (e.g., upper side 244, upper side 245) configured for contactingand bearing against the bottom surface 208 of the first mount 130 and alower side (e.g., lower side 246, lower side 247) spaced apart from theupper side. When inserted to the limit, the stop is positionedadjacently to the bottom surface 208 of mount 130, and the catch of thecantilever lug is positioned adjacently to a top surface 206 of themount 130, releasably holding the first insert 140 onto the first mount130 between the stop and the catch. The contact between the upper sideof the stop and the bottom surface 208 transfers a retention force fromthe stud 20 to the first mount 130 when the wire tray assembly 110 isinstalled on the substrate 10.

In the aspect illustrated in FIGS. 2A-2C and FIGS. 4A-5C, the body 230has a generally rectilinear shape between the upper end 232 and thestop, and the upper end 232 of the body 230 is configured for receiptinto the cross-shaped aperture 210. In other aspects, the body may havea cross-shape, a generally cylindrical shape, a generally rectilinearshape, or another shape between the upper end and the stop.

In aspects, such as illustrated in FIG. 2C and FIG. 3 , the top surface206 of the first mount 130 includes the connecting ledge (e.g.,connecting ledge 222, connecting ledge 223). The connecting ledge isconfigured for snap-fit connection with a cantilever lug of the firstinsert 140. In aspects, the connecting ledge is positioned above theplane of the top surface 206. When the snap-fit connection is actuated,the catch of the cantilever lug engages the connecting ledge, the stop(e.g., stop 242, stop 243) is brought into contact with the bottomsurface 208 of the base 202 (as illustrated in FIG. 2B), and the wiretray 120 is connected to the first insert 140 at the first mount 130, asillustrated in FIG. 2C.

The first mount 130 may include at least one fence 204 extending fromthe base 202 and surrounding at least a portion of the aperture 210. Thefence 204 is configured for protecting the mount and/or insert connectedthereto. In FIGS. 5A through 5C, the fence 204 is not illustrated,whereas the fence 204 is illustrated in FIG. 3 .

FIGS. 5A through 5C illustrate an assembly sequence where the firstinsert 140 attaches to the wire tray 120. To mount the wire tray 120 tothe substrate 10, the upper end 232 of the body 230 and the insertionends of the cantilever lugs of the first insert 140 are inserted throughthe aperture 210 of the mount 130 and are pushed in through the bottomsurface 208 of the mount 130 to releasably lock the first insert 140onto the mount 130 of the wire tray 120. Once attached, the first insert140 can then be positioned for engagement with the threads 30 of thestud 20, for example, by the pawls 240 engaging the threads 30 of thestud 20 to releasably attach the insert and mount of the wire trayassembly to the substrate 10.

To disengage the first insert 140 from the first mount 130 and unmountthe wire tray 120 from the substrate 10, for example, to replace or fixa wire harness that is positioned in and/or attached to the channel 128,an operator may manipulate the snap-fit connection of the first insert140 to de-actuate the connection. For example, by applying a force tothe insertion faces to move the catches to disengage the connectingledges, and then sliding the catches out of the aperture 210 of thefirst mount 130 to remove the first mount 130 from the first insert 140.

After removing the wire tray 120 from the stud 20, the first insert 140can then be unscrewed from the stud 20 or can be left attached to thestud 20. If the first insert 140 is left attached to the stud 20, toreinstall the wire tray 120 back onto the first insert 140 (e.g., afterreplacing or fixing the wire harness), the operator can insert thecatches back into the aperture 210 and into snap-fit engagement with theconnecting ledges, increasing the efficiency of the process of detachingand reattaching a wire tray to the substrate, for example, when anoperator is replacing or fixing a wire harness that is positioned inand/or attached to the channel of the wire tray.

The wire tray assembly 110 illustrated in FIG. 1 further includes asecond mount 160 and a second insert 150, as further illustrated inFIGS. 6A-6C, 7A, 7B, and 8A-8C. The second insert 150 is configured formounting the second mount 160 to a substrate 10 at a stud 22 thatextends from the substrate 10. The second mount 160 may include a base602 that extends from the wire tray 120 (e.g., from the second channelwall 126). The base 602 may be defined in a plane generally parallel toa plane of the base 122. The base 602 includes a top surface 606opposite a bottom surface 608, with an aperture 610 definedtherebetween. The second insert 150 is configured to connect to thesecond mount 160, for example, through a snap-fit connection. Throughsuch a connection, the aperture 610 receives at least one insertion end(e.g., insertion end 656, insertion end 657) of a cantilever lug (e.g.,cantilever lug 650, cantilever lug 651) of the second insert 150therethrough. The aperture 610 may include a ramp 613 configured toguide the insertion end into the aperture 610.

The aperture 610 is further illustrated in FIG. 6A and includes at leastone sidewall 612. The sidewall 612 may extend between the top surface606 and the bottom surface 608. The aperture 610 is further illustratedin FIG. 6A. The aperture 610 of the second mount 160 is illustrated inFIG. 6A as generally circular-shaped, having a sidewall 612 shaped toreceive a cylindrical-shaped second insert 150 therein. In aspects, anaperture may have a cross-shape, a generally cylindrical shape, agenerally rectilinear shape, or another shape.

The second insert 150 includes a body 630 having an upper end 632configured for insertion into the aperture 610 of the second mount 160and a lower end 634 opposite the upper end 632. The body 630 may beconfigured to accept a tool to rotate the second insert 150 about alongitudinal axis of the second stud 22. In the example illustrated inFIG. 6A, a flat-blade screwdriver, or similar tool, may be inserted intothe cavity 636 to either tighten or loosen the second insert 150 on thestud 22.

In the aspect illustrated in FIGS. 6A-6C, a cavity 636 is defined in thebody 630. The cavity 636 may extend into at least a portion of the body630. The cavity 636 may include at least one thread-engaging receiver638 (threaded receiver 638) configured to releasably engage the threads(e.g., threads 32) of a mounting stud (e.g., mounting stud 22) extendingfrom the substrate 10.

The threaded receiver 638 may include one or more pawls 640 configuredto releasably engage the threads of the mounting stud. The aspectillustrated in FIGS. 6A-7B includes four pawls. As illustrated in FIGS.6C, the pawls 640 may attach to an inner surface 637 of the cavity 636by webs 641 that define pivot points. The pivot points enable the pawls640 to outwardly deflect when engaging the threads of the stud duringinstallation. The webs 641 provide a spring-force such that the pawls640 form a ratchet mechanism with the threads of the stud, therebyenabling the installation over the stud with the installation force. Thethreaded receiver 638 can be disengaged from the threads of the mountingstud to remove the insert from the stud. For example, the cavity 636 maybe configured to receive a tool, such as a blade of a screwdriver, andthe tool may be utilized by an operator to disengage one or more of thepawls 640 from the stud 22, thereby enabling the removal of the secondinsert 150 from the stud 22.

The insert (e.g., second insert 150) may be rotatable about alongitudinal axis of the mounting stud, enabling the insert to bethreaded onto the stud. Likewise, the insert can be threaded off anengaged mounting stud. That is, the second insert 150 may be threaded onand off the stud 22 similar to a nut and bolt combination.

The second insert 150 may include at least one resilient cantilever lug(e.g., cantilever lug 650, cantilever lug 651) configured for flexibleinsertion through the aperture 610 and for snap-fit connection with aconnecting ledge (e.g., connecting ledge 622) of the second mount 160,for example, a connecting ledge on a top surface 606 of the mount. Theconnecting ledge may be defined in and/or extend from the top surface ofthe mount. The aspect illustrated in FIGS. 6C, 7A, and 7B includes afirst cantilever lug 650 configured for snap-fit connection with theconnecting ledge 622 and a second cantilever lug 651 configured forsnap-fit connection with the connecting ledge 622.

The second insert 150 is configured to be pushed into the aperture 610through the bottom surface 608 of the wire tray 120 to removably attachthe wire tray 120 to the substrate 10. Through use of the snap-fitconnection, a catch of the cantilever lug can be disengaged from theconnecting ledge, permitting the wire tray 120 to be removed from thesubstrate 10, while the second insert 150 remains attached to the stud22.

The connecting ledge 622 may include a chamfer 624. The chamfer may bedefined at any angle from horizontal. In aspects, the angle of thechamfer is 19 to 29 degrees from horizontal. In other aspects, the angleof the chamfer is 24 degrees from horizontal. The chamfer furtherincludes an undercut face 626 configured to engage a retention face(e.g., retention face 664 of catch 658, retention face 665 of catch 659)when the snap-fit connection is actuated. The connecting ledge 622 maybe an annular chamfer concentric with the aperture 610. The annularchamfer may extend from the rim 611 to the top surface 606. The chamfermay extend, at a first end, upwards away from the top surface 606 of thebase 602, and, at a second end, extend from the aperture 610, asillustrated in FIG. 6C. In other aspects, the chamfer may be spacedapart from the aperture 610. The undercut face may be positioned at anarcuate angle to the aperture 610.

In the aspect illustrated in FIG. 6C, connecting ledge 622 includes arim 611 and the chamfer 624 extends from the rim 611 to the top surface606. The top surface 606 defines a top surface plane (T), and a rimplane (R) is defined between sides of the rim 611. The rim plane (R) maybe generally parallel to the top surface plane (T) and vertically spacedfrom the top surface plane (T).

In the aspect illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6C, 7A, 7B, and 8A-8C, the secondinsert 150 includes a first cantilever lug 650 and a second cantileverlug 651. A cantilever lug may include a beam (e.g., beam 652, beam 653)and a catch (e.g., catch 658, catch 659). The beam may include a rootend (e.g., root end 654, root end 655) connecting to the body 630 andextending upwards therefrom to an insertion end (e.g., insertion end256, insertion end 257). The root end may connect to the body 630 at thelower end 634 of the body 630. The insertion end may be configured forinsertion through the aperture 610. The catch extends downwardly fromthe insertion end of the beam and is configured for engaging aconnecting ledge of the base 602 to form the snap-fit connection.

The catch includes a tip (e.g., tip 660, tip 661) located between aninsertion face (e.g., insertion face 662, insertion face 663) and aretention face (e.g., retention face 664, retention face 665). Theinsertion face is configured for contacting the sidewall and for inwarddeflection during actuation and de-actuation of the snap-fit connection.The retention face is configured to engage the connecting ledge on thetop surface 606 of the base 602. In aspects, the retention face is at anarcuate angle to the insertion face. The retention face angle may be anyangle from horizontal. In aspects, the retention face angle is 28 to 37degrees from horizontal. In other aspects, the retention face angle is32 degrees from horizontal.

The second insert 150 may further include at least one stop (e.g., stop642, stop 643). The stop extends from the body 630 between the upper end632 and the lower end 634. The stop is configured to limit the insertionof the body 630 through the aperture 610. The stop is positionedintermediate the catch and the lower end 634. The stop includes an upperside (e.g., upper side 644, upper side 645) configured for contactingand bearing against the bottom surface 608 of the second mount 160 and alower side (e.g., lower side 646, lower side 647) spaced apart from theupper side. When inserted to the limit, the stop is positionedadjacently to the bottom surface 608 of second mount 160 and the catchof the cantilever lug is positioned adjacently a top surface 606 of thesecond mount 160, releasably holding the second insert 150 onto thesecond mount 160 between the stop and the catch. The contact between theupper side of the stop and the bottom surface transfers aretention-force from the stud 22 to the second mount 160 when the wiretray assembly 110 is installed on the substrate 10.

In the aspect illustrated in FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, 7A, and 7B, the body 630has a generally circular shape between the upper end 632 and the stop,and the upper end 632 of the body 630 is configured for receipt into thecircular aperture 610. In other aspects, the body may have across-shape, a generally cylindrical shape, a generally rectilinearshape, or another shape.

In aspects, such as illustrated in FIG. 6C, the top surface 606 of thesecond mount 160 includes the connecting ledge 622. The connecting ledgeis configured for snap-fit connection with a cantilever lug of thesecond insert 150. In aspects, the connecting ledge is positioned abovethe plane of the top surface 606. When the snap-fit connection isactuated, the catch of the cantilever lug engages the connecting ledge622, the stop (e.g., stop 642, stop 643) is brought into contact withthe bottom surface 608 of the base 602 (as illustrated in FIG. 6B), andthe wire tray 120 is connected to the second insert 150 at the secondmount 160, as illustrated in FIG. 6C.

The second mount 160 may include at least one fence 604 extending fromthe base 602 and surrounding at least a portion of the aperture 610. Thefence 604 is configured for protecting the mount and/or insert connectedthereto. In FIGS. 8A through 8C, the fence 604 is not illustrated,whereas the fence 604 is illustrated in FIG. 6A.

FIGS. 8A through 8C illustrate an assembly sequence where the secondinsert 150 attaches to the wire tray 120. To mount the wire tray 120 tothe substrate 10, the upper end 632 of the body 630 and the insertionends of the cantilever lugs of the second insert 150 are insertedthrough the aperture 610 of the second mount 160 and are pushed inthrough the bottom surface 608 of the second mount 160 to releasablylock the second insert 150 onto the second mount 160 of the wire tray120. Once attached, the second insert 150 can then be positioned forengagement with the threads 32 of the stud 22, for example, by the pawls640 engaging the threads 32 of the stud 22 to releasably attach theinsert and the mount of the wire tray assembly to the substrate 10.

To disengage the second insert 150 from the second mount 160 and unmountthe wire tray 120 from the substrate 10, for example, to replace or fixa wire harness that is positioned in and/or attached to the channel 128,an operator may manipulate the snap-fit connection of the second insert150 to de-actuate the connection. For example, by applying a force tothe insertion faces to move the catches to disengage the connectingledges, and then sliding the catches out of the aperture 610 of thesecond mount 160 to remove the second mount 160 from the second insert150.

After removing the wire tray 120 from the stud 22, the second insert 150can then be unscrewed from the stud 22 or can be left attached to thestud 22. If the second insert 150 is left attached to the stud 22, toreinstall the wire tray 120 back onto the second insert 150 (e.g., afterreplacing or fixing the wire harness), the operator can insert thecatches back into the aperture 610 and into snap-fit engagement with theconnecting ledges.

FIG. 1 further illustrates a third insert 170 and a third mount 180. Thethird insert 170 and third mount 180 are similar to the first mount 130and the first insert 140 illustrated in FIG. 1 and described above,except as detailed below. In FIG. 1 , the third mount 180 is illustratedrotated 90-degrees with respect to the wire tray 120.

As used herein, a phrase referring to “at least one of” a list of itemsrefers to any combination of those items, including single members. Asan example, “at least one of: a, b, or c” is intended to cover a, b, c,a-b, a-c, b-c, and a-b-c, as well as any combination with multiples ofthe same element (e.g., a-a, a-a-a, a-a-b, a-a-c, a-b-b, a-c-c, b-b,b-b-b, b-b-c, c-c, and c-c-c or any other ordering of a, b, and c).

Additional Examples

Some additional examples of one or more of wire trays, mounting inserts,or assemblies thereof are as follows:

Example 1. A system, comprising a wire tray and a first insert. The wiretray comprising a mount. The mount comprising a top surface opposite abottom surface, an aperture defined in the mount, and a connecting ledgeextending from the top surface of the mount. The aperture extending fromthe top surface to the bottom surface. The aperture further comprising asidewall. The first insert configured to be releasably retained by themount. The first insert comprising a body and a cantilever lug. The bodycomprising an upper end configured for insertion into the aperturethrough the bottom surface, a lower end spaced apart from the upper end,and a cavity extending into the body. The cavity comprising a threadedreceiver configured to releasably engage threads of a mounting stud. Thecantilever lug configured for snap-fit connection with the connectingledge. The cantilever lug comprising a beam, a catch, and a stop. Thebeam comprising a root end connecting to the body and extending upwardstherefrom and an insertion end configured for insertion through theaperture. The catch extending downwardly from the insertion end of thebeam. The catch configured to engage the connecting ledge. The stopconfigured for limiting the insertion of the body through the aperture.The stop extending from the body between the upper end and the lowerend. The stop is positioned intermediate the catch and the lower end.The first insert is configured for insertion into the aperture throughthe bottom surface of the mount, with the stop bearing against thebottom surface of the mount. The first insert is configured forreceiving the mounting stud therethrough, with the mounting studextending through the aperture into the first insert, and with thethreads of the mounting stud engaging the threaded receiver.

Example 2. The system of Example 1, wherein the insertion end extendspast the upper end of the body.

Example 3. The system of Example 1, further comprising a top surfaceplane defined on the top surface and the aperture further comprising arim defining a rim plane, the rim plane parallel to the top surfaceplane, the rim plane vertically spaced from the top surface plane.

Example 4. The system of Example 3, wherein the connecting ledgecomprises a chamfer, the chamfer comprising an undercut face configuredto engage a retention face of the catch.

Example 5. The system of Example 3, wherein the connecting ledgecomprises an annular chamfer concentric with the aperture, the annularchamfer comprising an undercut face configured to engage a retentionface of the catch.

Example 6. The system of Example 5, wherein the first insert furthercomprises a second cantilever lug configured for snap-fit connectionwith the connecting ledge. The second cantilever lug comprising a secondbeam. The second beam comprising a second root end connecting to thebody and extending upwards therefrom, a second insertion end configuredfor insertion through the aperture, and a second catch. The second catchextending downwardly from the second insertion end of the second beam.The second catch configured to engage the connecting ledge.

Example 7. The system of Example 1, wherein the connecting ledge extendsalong the sidewall.

Example 8. The system of Example 1, wherein the aperture furthercomprises a first side opposite a second side, the sidewall located onthe first side of the aperture, and a second sidewall. The secondsidewall located on the second side of the aperture. The second sidewallspaced apart from and parallel to the sidewall. The connecting ledgeextending along the sidewall. The mount further comprising a secondconnecting ledge extending from the top surface of the mount. The firstinsert further comprising a second cantilever lug configured forsnap-fit connection with the second connecting ledge. The secondcantilever lug comprising a second beam and a second catch. The secondbeam comprising a second root end and a second insertion end. The secondroot end connecting to the body and extending upwards therefrom. Thesecond insertion end configured for insertion through the aperture. Thesecond catch extending downwardly from the second insertion end of thesecond beam. The second catch configured to engage the second connectingledge.

Example 9. The system of Example 8, wherein the connecting ledgecomprises a chamfer. The chamfer comprising an undercut face configuredto engage a retention face of the catch. The second connecting ledgecomprises a second chamfer. The second chamfer comprises a secondundercut face configured to engage a second retention face of the secondcatch.

Example 10. The system of Example 1, wherein the threaded receiverfurther comprises a plurality of pawls configured to releasably engagethreads of the mounting stud.

Example 11. The system of Example 1, further comprising a top surfaceplane defined on the top surface and the aperture further comprising.The rim defining a rim plane. The rim plane parallel to the top surfaceplane. The rim plane vertically spaced from the top surface plane. Theconnecting ledge further comprising an annular chamfer concentric withthe aperture. The annular chamfer comprising an undercut face configuredto engage a retention face of the catch. The insertion end extends pastthe upper end of the body.

Example 12. The system of Example 11, wherein the first insert furthercomprises a second cantilever lug configured for snap-fit connectionwith the connecting ledge. The second cantilever lug comprising a secondbeam and a second catch. The second beam comprising a second root endconnecting to the body and extending upwards therefrom and a secondinsertion end configured for insertion through the aperture. The secondcatch extending downwardly from the second insertion end of the secondbeam. The second catch configured to engage the connecting ledge.

Example 13. The system of Example 1, further comprising a top surfaceplane defined on the top surface. The aperture further comprising a rimdefining a rim plane. The rim plane parallel to the top surface plane.The rim plane vertically spaced from the top surface plane. Theconnecting ledge further comprising a chamfer. The chamfer comprising anundercut face configured to engage a retention face of the catch. Theaperture further comprising a first side opposite a second side, thesidewall located on the first side of the aperture, and a secondsidewall, the second sidewall located on the second side of theaperture, the second sidewall spaced apart from and parallel to thesidewall. The connecting ledge extending along the sidewall. The mountfurther comprising a second connecting ledge extending from the topsurface of the mount. The first insert further comprising a secondcantilever lug configured for snap-fit connection with the secondconnecting ledge. The second cantilever lug comprising a second beam anda second catch. The second beam comprising a second root end and asecond insertion end. The second root end connecting to the body andextending upwards therefrom. The second insertion end configured forinsertion through the aperture. The second catch extending downwardlyfrom the second insertion end of the second beam. The second catchconfigured to engage the second connecting ledge.

Example 14. The system of Example 13, wherein the connecting ledgecomprises a chamfer. The chamfer comprising an undercut face configuredto engage a retention face of the catch. The second connecting ledgecomprises a second chamfer. The second chamfer comprising a secondundercut face configured to engage a second retention face of the secondcatch.

Example 15. An apparatus comprising a body, a cantilever lug, and astop. The body comprising an upper end, a lower end opposite the upperend, and a cavity extending into the body. The cavity comprising athreaded receiver configured to releasably engage threads of a mountingstud. The cantilever lug configured for snap-fit connection with aconnecting ledge of a mount. The cantilever lug comprising a beam and acatch. The beam comprising a root end connecting to the body andextending upwards therefrom, and an insertion end configured forinsertion through an aperture of the mount. The insertion end extendspast the upper end of the body. The catch extending downwardly from theinsertion end of the beam. The catch configured for engaging theconnecting ledge. The stop configured for limiting the insertion of thebody through the aperture. The stop extending from the body between theupper end and the lower end. The stop positioned intermediate the catchand the lower end. The apparatus is configured for insertion into theaperture through a bottom surface defined in the mount with an upperside of the stop bearing against the bottom surface of the mount. Theapparatus is further configured for receiving the mounting studtherethrough, the mounting stud extending through the aperture into theapparatus, the threads of the mounting stud engaging the threadedreceiver.

Example 16. The apparatus of Example 15, wherein the apparatus furthercomprises a second cantilever lug configured for snap-fit connectionwith the connecting ledge, a second beam, and a second catch. The secondroot end connecting to the body and extending upwards therefrom. Thesecond insertion end configured for insertion through the aperture. Thesecond insertion end extends past the upper end of the body. The secondcatch extending downwardly from the second insertion end of the secondbeam. The second catch configured to engage the connecting ledge.

Example 17. The apparatus of Example 15, wherein the body has agenerally cylindrical shape between the upper end and the stop, andwherein the upper end of the body is configured for receipt into acircular aperture of the mount.

Example 18. The apparatus of Example 15, wherein the apparatus furthercomprises a second cantilever lug, a second beam, and a second catch.The second cantilever lug configured for snap-fit connection with asecond connecting ledge of the mount. The second beam comprising asecond root end connecting to the body and extending upwards therefrom,and a second insertion end configured for insertion through theaperture. The second insertion end extends past the upper end of thebody. The second catch extending downwardly from the second insertionend of the second beam. The second catch configured to engage the secondconnecting ledge.

Example 19. The apparatus of Example 15, wherein the body has agenerally rectilinear shape between the upper end and the stop, andwherein the upper end of the body is configured for receipt into across-shaped aperture of the mount.

Example 20. The apparatus of Example 15, wherein the threaded receivercomprises a plurality of pawls configured to releasably engage threadsof the mounting stud.

CONCLUSION

Although implementations of techniques and apparatuses for releasablyattaching an object to a substrate have been described in languagespecific to features and/or methods, it is to be understood that thesubject of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to thespecific features or methods described. Rather, the specific featuresand methods are disclosed as example implementations of techniques andapparatuses for releasably attaching an object to a substrate.

What is claimed is:
 1. A system, comprising: a mount configured formounting to a substrate, the mount comprising: a first surface oppositea second surface; and an aperture defined in the mount, the apertureextending from the first surface to the second surface; and an insertconfigured to be releasably retained by the mount, the insertcomprising: a body, the body comprising: an upper end configured forinsertion into the aperture through the second surface; and a lower endspaced apart from the upper end; a lug configured for connection withthe first surface of the mount, the lug comprising: a beam, the beamcomprising: a root end connecting to the body and extending upwardstherefrom; and an insertion end configured for insertion through theaperture; a catch, the catch extending downwardly from the insertion endof the beam, the catch configured to engage the first surface of themount; and a stop, the stop configured for limiting the insertion of thebody through the aperture, the stop extending from the body between theupper end and the lower end, the stop is positioned intermediate thecatch and the lower end, the insert configured for insertion into theaperture through the second surface of the mount with the stop bearingagainst the second surface of the mount.
 2. The system of claim 1,wherein the mount further comprises: a connecting ledge defined on thefirst surface of the mount.
 3. The system of claim 2, wherein theconnecting ledge extends from the first surface of the mount.
 4. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein the catch is configured to engage theconnecting ledge.
 5. The system of claim 2, further comprising: a firstsurface plane defined on the first surface; and the aperture furthercomprising: a rim defining a rim plane, the rim plane parallel to thefirst surface plane, the rim plane vertically spaced from the firstsurface plane, and wherein the connecting ledge comprises: a chamfer,the chamfer comprising an undercut face configured to engage a retentionface of the catch.
 6. The system of claim 5, wherein the connectingledge comprises: an annular chamfer concentric with the aperture, theannular chamfer comprising an undercut face configured to engage aretention face of the catch.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein theinsert further comprises: a second lug configured for connection withthe connecting ledge, the second lug comprising: a second beamcomprising: a second root end connecting to the body and extendingupwards therefrom; and a second insertion end configured for insertionthrough the aperture; and a second catch, the second catch extendingdownwardly from the second insertion end of the second beam, the secondcatch configured to engage the connecting ledge.
 8. The system of claim2, wherein the aperture further comprises a sidewall, and wherein theaperture further comprises: a first side opposite a second side, thesidewall located on the first side of the aperture; and a secondsidewall, the second sidewall located on the second side of theaperture, the second sidewall spaced apart from and parallel to thesidewall; wherein the connecting ledge extends along the sidewall;wherein the mount further comprises: a second connecting ledge extendingfrom the first surface of the mount; wherein the insert furthercomprises: a second lug configured for connection with the secondconnecting ledge, the second lug comprising: a second beam, the secondbeam comprising: a second root end, the second root end connecting tothe body and extending upwards therefrom; and a second insertion end,the second insertion end configured for insertion through the aperture;and a second catch, the second catch extending downwardly from thesecond insertion end of the second beam, the second catch configured toengage the second connecting ledge.
 9. The system of claim 8, whereinthe connecting ledge comprises: a chamfer, the chamfer comprising anundercut face configured to engage a retention face of the catch; andwherein the second connecting ledge comprises: a second chamfer, thesecond chamfer comprising a second undercut face configured to engage asecond retention face of the second catch.
 10. The system of claim 1,wherein the body further comprises a cavity extending into the body,wherein the cavity further comprises a threaded receiver configured toreleasably engage threads of a mounting stud.
 11. The system of claim10, wherein the insert is configured for receiving a portion of themounting stud therein, with the mounting stud extending through theaperture into the insert and with the threads of the mounting studengaging the threaded receiver.
 12. The system of claim 10, wherein thethreaded receiver further comprises: a plurality of pawls configured toreleasably engage threads of the mounting stud.
 13. An apparatuscomprising: a body, the body comprising: an upper end; and a lower endopposite the upper end; and a lug configured for connection with a firstsurface of a mount, the lug comprising: a beam, the beam comprising: aroot end connecting to the body and extending upwards therefrom; and aninsertion end configured for insertion through an aperture of the mount,wherein the insertion end extends past the upper end of the body; acatch, the catch extending downwardly from the insertion end of thebeam, the catch configured for engaging the first surface of the mount;and a stop, the stop configured for limiting the insertion of the bodythrough the aperture, the stop extending from the body between the upperend and the lower end, the stop positioned intermediate the catch andthe lower end, wherein the apparatus is configured for insertion intothe aperture through a second surface defined in the mount with an upperside of the stop bearing against the second surface of the mount. 14.The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the lug is configured for connectionwith a connecting ledge defined on the first surface of the mount. 15.The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the apparatus further comprises: asecond lug configured for connection with the connecting ledge, thesecond lug comprising: a second beam comprising: a second root endconnecting to the body and extending upwards therefrom; and a secondinsertion end configured for insertion through the aperture, wherein thesecond insertion end extends past the upper end of the body; and asecond catch, the second catch extending downwardly from the secondinsertion end of the second beam, the second catch configured to engagethe connecting ledge.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein theapparatus further comprises: a second lug configured for connection witha second connecting ledge of the mount, the second lug comprising: asecond beam comprising: a second root end connecting to the body andextending upwards therefrom; and a second insertion end configured forinsertion through the aperture, wherein the second insertion end extendspast the upper end of the body; and a second catch, the second catchextending downwardly from the second insertion end of the second beam,the second catch configured to engage the second connecting ledge. 17.The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the body further comprises a cavityextending into the body, the cavity further comprising a threadedreceiver configured to releasably engage threads of a mounting stud, thethreaded receiver comprising a plurality of pawls configured toreleasably engage threads of the mounting stud.
 18. The apparatus ofclaim 17, wherein the apparatus is further configured for receiving aportion of the mounting stud therein, with the mounting stud extendingthrough the aperture into the apparatus, and with the threads of themounting stud engaging the threaded receiver.
 19. The apparatus of claim13, wherein the body has a generally cylindrical shape between the upperend and the stop, and wherein the upper end of the body is configuredfor receipt into a circular aperture of the mount.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 13, wherein the body has a generally rectilinear shape between theupper end and the stop, and wherein the upper end of the body isconfigured for receipt into a cross-shaped aperture of the mount.